Best Cabin Camping near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA

Cabin accommodations around Idyllwild-Pine Cove provide several options for visitors seeking rustic lodging in mountain settings. Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers cabins with electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to shared facilities like showers and toilets. Lake Hemet Campground provides similar cabin options with additional amenities such as drinking water and trash service. Most cabins include basic furnishings like beds, tables, and seating areas, though comfort levels vary by location. "The campground is big with lots of different spaces dedicated to cabins, RV's, tents etc so nothing feels too cramped or noisy. Plus, there are a lot of open spaces in the campground and some small trails with cool views and lots of amenities," according to feedback from a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. KOA-style cabins can be found at Temecula-Vail Lake KOA and Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, offering more standardized accommodations with predictable amenities. Most cabin sites permit pets, though specific policies vary by campground. Peak season typically runs during summer months, with some properties like Thousand Trails Palm Springs operating seasonally from September to May. One camper noted, "Beautiful cabins available. Super quiet neighbors... Pool and activities were closed in the winter." Advance reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when availability becomes limited.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities range from basic to well-equipped, with some offering only outdoor cooking options while others provide refrigerators and microwaves. On-site markets exist at several properties including Lake Hemet Campground and Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, offering basic provisions and supplies. Visitors staying at properties near Idyllwild town can access more extensive grocery options approximately 15 minutes away by car. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations, though fire policies differ across properties—some permit fires while others prohibit them due to wildfire concerns.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California (65)

    1. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring."

    2. Thousand Trails Idyllwild

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites."

    "The campground is big with lots of different spaces dedicated to cabins, RV's, tents etc so nothing feels too cramped or noisy."

    3. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."

    "Sites are pretty close together but divided by tall hedges that make for good privacy. It was a little loud our first night from other campers and dogs, but the second night was much quieter."

    4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms."

    "Private hot showers that you accessed with a free code. The wifi was pretty good too. There was a 9 hole mini golf and playground for the kids too. Great views of the mountains."

    5. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA

    20 Reviews
    Cleveland National Forest, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 303-0173

    "They have icecream a little store and a cozy little bar for the grown ups. There was a guy there redoing the fire pits on his own time and paid for the materials himself."

    "We live/work out of the RV during the Covid pandemic, so we bought a cell booster and WiFi relay, but even they couldn’t make any use of the provided WiFi."

    6. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

    18 Reviews
    Bermuda Dunes, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

    "Thousand Trails Palm Springs offers a great pool and hot tub area with a lively, mixed-age crowd—perfect if you’re in your 30s and looking for variety."

    7. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Menifee, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I had a reservation at Wilderness Lakes, and I was a day early, so they let me in! Off to a good start! Full hook-ups, laundry and showers about 50 yards away, no matter which way you go."

    "This campground is part of the “Thousand Trails” RV time share co-op. We are non-members and lined up our weekend stay a few weeks in advance."

    8. Yosemite Modern

    1 Review
    Palm Springs, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 910-5005

    9. Caliente Springs RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-8400

    "Had no problem booking it on the internet but the phone numbers provided (especially the one regarding the late check in) kept you either asking to leave a message (that was never acted upon / returned"

    "Great clean campground and resort For55+ lots to do Mineral hot springs Rental cottages and some for sale"

    10. Sky Valley RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Thousand Palms, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 548-2960

    "It's a lovely location with almost perfect weather in the winter. April very windy and May, it starts getting hotter. However, you can take the tram up majestic Mt."

    "This park is 25min from anything but that’s one reason I like it. Lots of exploring within a hours drive to great sights like Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, Salton sea, Idlewild, Borrego Springs, etc."

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Cabin Reviews near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA

421 Reviews of 65 Idyllwild-Pine Cove Campgrounds


  • J
    Nov. 8, 2020

    Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    Near Historic District

    A little something for every type of camping. Cabins, paved pull through & natural dirt & grass. Friendly staff to check us in gates close at 10:pm your provided with a security gate code to get back in if your out late.

    Lots of families with children, fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake. Playground plus lots of grassy areas. We stayed in the natural area with hook-ups everything worked great.

    Neighbors were nice, cute set ups with twinkle lights and people enjoying outdoor fire pits. Campers we’re playing music, laughter echoes through camp ground but nothing too loud and all quiet later.

    We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer’s market plus lots of restaurants.

    The campground sells firewood plus has a little store. Would stay again.

  • Tabitha H.
    Nov. 15, 2020

    William Heise County Park

    Great Spot

    Fantastic park. Well kept, beautiful surroundings with hiking trails, big and private spots and clean bathrooms. Camping cabins available. The second interior RV loop is way nicer and more private spots than the first. We were site 37 and it was great. Both electric and water hookups in all RV spots and campground dump station on site. Julian and Winona are fun day trips. Calico Cider in Wynona is an A+.

  • Pablo L.
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Lake Hemet Campground

    Great Time!

    Visited the last 2 weeks of August. Great place for family and kids. Affordable. Campsite #295. You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit. Different campgrounds for all chosen methods (Tent, RV, Glamping, etc..) There's restrooms you can use. There's showers you can pay per use. The swim zone isn't too far from this campsite, 5-10 min walk w/ no accessories. If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon but I'd recommend just driving your car with a few items to the zone. Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too. The marketplace is near the entrance BUT they only sell individual waters (No 48 pack types). You'll definitely hear your neighbors snore at night after a long day LOL.. quiet hours are from 10pm - 8am. Overall, this is a great spot. If you're lucky to snag other spots with trees covering you then great but this is still a good campsite. Happy camping! ... Oh yeah, T-Mobile no service up there (apparently Verizon, AT&T do)

  • Trip Over Life
    May. 28, 2018

    Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Anza-Borrego campground with primitive cabins and tent sites

    Tamarisk Grove Campground is about 20 minutes south of Borrego Springs. It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud. There are tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are also flush toilets and paid showers. There is no potable water at this campground - be sure to bring your own. The cabins are simple structures with platforms for sleeping. There are no amenities in the cabins - no electric, no water, no mattress, no linens, etc.

    The campground is across the street from both the Cactus Loop and Yaqui Well trail heads. We recommend the short Cactus Loop hike over the Yaqui Well hike. Go at sunset to catch the cholla cacti backlit by the sunset.

  • A
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Thousand Trails Idyllwild

    Beautiful Idylwild

    We tent camped 3 days 2 nights during Memorial weekend with 3 other families. We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites. But it's a quiet campground, everyone goes to sleep early around 10pm. A downside during our visit, is the restroom/bathroom; the resort closed down couple restroom/bathroom for renovation, so we had. to walk far to shower/potty. Maybe they were short staffed, the restroom/bathroom were dirty, toilet flushing issue and trash bin overflow. Overall we had a good time, also be aware of coyotes they come out at night.

  • J
    Jun. 4, 2017

    William Heise County Park

    Great for beginner campers; lacks privacy/peace; over-zealous rangers patroling

    Pros:

    easy to get to, nice amenities

    right next to Julian (perfect for day trips into town)

    there are a few campsites where you can create some privacy (much more so than many other San Diego park campgrounds)

    cool, easy trails to hike nearby

    Cons:

    most campsites are right on top of each other, many don't provide shade. One occasion, a family with a giant RV parked in the middle of the tent campground area, their generator/other RV components were extremely loud, and they brought two power wheel cars that their young children promptly began to drive around (adding to the sounds of other battery-powered crap) at 6am. My solace came when the batteries finally died.

    rangers are constantly patrolling and there are A TON of rules for the campground ("quiet hours", no ropes or anything else tied to the trees)

    the area is ridden with flies at certain times of the year- i believe it was late summer

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    Value for the area

    Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms. One large pool and three spas (hot tubs to folks not from So Cal) all heated with naturally heated mineral water. Secure. Park staff drive around at night to keep an eye on things. Most camps are close to the neighbors but most folks are quiet. Pay extra foe larger or premium campsites. Play area for the kids by the office. Put-put golf. Not much shade but many hedges. Gravel parking. Separate are for tents, communal sinks. Few trees around. Each camp has a sturdy picnic table. Propane fires only. And probably the same for BBQs. Great AT&T 5G cellular. Wi-Fi is weak, but it’s free.RV spot had fill hookups (water, 30 or 50 amp power, sewer, but no cable TV.

    Well run and friendly, responsive staff. Understand that Desert Hot Springs is sometimes WINDY!! And that can mean dust storms, but that goes for the entire Cochella Valley. Not close to anything out here. A convenience store about 1/3 mile away. You won’t be running for coffee here. The the management sometimes hosts events and a weekend breakfast can be purchased.

    All rigs are in good repair and I’ve seen nothing sketchy here at all. Been here 3 weeks with 3 more to go.

    Bottom line: I would definitely stay here again, but it is a drive to get into DHS or Palm Springs. And it is windy/dusty.

  • Ed E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2020

    North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    Beautiful Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park

    We reserved and camped at this beautiful campground back in July of 2018. It was a great experience. We pulled a 27' Travel Trailer from Livermore, CA and picked out the perfect site #94. It was the furthest RV site north of the campground and we had power, water and sewage. It was a lake front campsite so we had a nice view of the lake right in our "front yard" :-) We had a picnic table and a fire pit for our use.
    The fishing was awesome, but I suggest fishing in the mornings before the afternoon winds come in as the weather cools down. We had our kayaks and it is a beautiful lake to kayak. But when it gets windy, know your limits :-)
    The campground is close to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a drive there for a visit and it was spectacular. 
    The campground also has a great store there. It has all the camping necessities. If you are into hiking and biking, this campground has the accommodations for that activity. It also has a kid's park.  They also have cabins if you do not want to use a tent or RV.

  • B
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

    More than we expected

    Spent Spring break here with the family. We read a lot of reviews on this park - many of them mixed. Overall, this park did not disappoint - too much.

    Amenities are very good for young kids. Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool. The boat launch is very near by too but we had no use for that.

    This park is clean! Like no park I have seen before. The staff are always moving around the grounds and “picking up” as they go. Quiet hours are strict - some may see that as a bad thing but I appreciate it. Even with 4 young kids, we like that the park slowed down right on time.

    Only arguments - the spots are relatively tight. We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39’er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides. Once in, we had to make sure we pulled back far enough otherwise the very nice provided picnic table would of been right next to the front wheel. Water pressure is a bit low too but nothing terrible.

    Location wise - awesome. We used the campground as a base camp to spend time in LA and San Diego as well as a day in Joshua Tree National Park. 1-2 hours from everything.

    We will definitely be back.


Guide to Idyllwild-Pine Cove

Cabin accommodations in the Idyllwild-Pine Cove region range from rustic forest retreats to amenity-rich resort options. Located at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, this area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby desert communities. Winter visitors should prepare for occasional snow, especially at higher elevations where road access may require chains.

What to do

Fishing at Lake Hemet: The 470-acre reservoir offers trout fishing year-round with rental boats available. "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" notes a visitor at Lake Hemet Campground.

Miniature golf with family: Several campgrounds maintain course amenities even in off-season. "They have mini golf and pickle ball. The kids loved the pool. That was the main attraction," explains a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, which features additional recreational options like shuffleboard and horseshoes.

Hot springs soaking: Natural mineral hot springs provide therapeutic relaxation after hiking. "Two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn't want to leave. Like, ever. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated," writes a visitor about the thermal waters.

What campers like

Seasonal market access: Several properties offer on-site convenience stores with varying hours. "Seasonal market and such open may 1st," mentions a camper at Thousand Trails Idyllwild, where the store provides basics during warmer months.

Evening temperature drops: The mountain elevation creates comfortable sleeping conditions even during summer visits. "We had a Great breeze every evening starting around 4pm that lasted a couple hours," notes a visitor appreciating the natural air conditioning effect in the San Jacinto Mountains.

Community events: Scheduled activities enhance the social camping experience. "We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people," describes a camper at Sky Valley RV Resort, highlighting the community atmosphere.

What you should know

Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill completely during peak periods. "I took my boys camping for the weekend and Lake Hemet campground where we had a good time, but wish we would have gone during the week. There was a large group blasting their stereo with a DJ and they set of fireworks," shares a visitor about weekend conditions.

Wind considerations: Higher elevation locations experience significant wind events. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," warns a visitor at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.

Site leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling equipment for sloped sites. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension. We Had to get more lumber in town to level travel the trailer from front to rear."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA is Lake Hemet Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 65 cabin camping locations near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.